U.S. patent number 9,833,535 [Application Number 14/692,539] was granted by the patent office on 2017-12-05 for contact lens storage case surface disinfection.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dwight Abouhalkah, Edward R. Kernick, William C. Neeley, Randall B. Pugh, Karson S. Putt, James D. Riall, Leslie A. Voss.
United States Patent |
9,833,535 |
Pugh , et al. |
December 5, 2017 |
Contact lens storage case surface disinfection
Abstract
The present invention provides for a disinfecting radiation base
for working in conjunction with a storage case for an ophthalmic
lens. The disinfecting radiation base provides disinfecting
radiation for disinfecting a surface of the storage case. The
disinfecting radiation base may also include a processor and
digital memory for automated functions associated with the
base.
Inventors: |
Pugh; Randall B. (Jacksonville,
FL), Kernick; Edward R. (Jacksonville, FL), Neeley;
William C. (Melbourne, FL), Abouhalkah; Dwight
(Jacksonville, FL), Voss; Leslie A. (Jacksonville, FL),
Putt; Karson S. (Jacksonville, FL), Riall; James D. (St.
Johns, FL) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. |
Jacksonville |
FL |
US |
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Assignee: |
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care
Inc. (Jacksonville, FL)
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Family
ID: |
45351650 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/692,539 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20150250915 A1 |
Sep 10, 2015 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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13118931 |
May 31, 2011 |
9024276 |
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61357786 |
Jun 23, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C
11/005 (20130101); G02C 7/04 (20130101); A61L
12/063 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01N
23/00 (20060101); A61L 12/06 (20060101); A45C
11/00 (20060101); G02C 7/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;250/453.11,454.11,455.11,492.1 ;210/748.1 ;356/51 ;359/350
;422/24 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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Other References
Harris, M.G., et al. "Ultraviolet disinfection of contact lenses."
Optometry and Vision Science, Oct. 1993;70(10): 839-42. Print.
cited by applicant .
Admoni, M.M., et al. "Disinfection efficacy in an integrated
ultraviolet light contact lens care system." CLAO J. Oct. 1994;
20(4): 246-8. Print. cited by applicant .
Dolman, P.J., et al. "Contact lens disinfection by ultraviolet
light." American Journal of Ophthalmology, Dec. 15,
1989;108(6):665-9. cited by applicant .
"UV Kills These Bugs.", Review of Optometry. Dec. 15, 1999 v136 i12
p62. cited by applicant .
"Device cleans, disinfects soft contact lenses in 15 minutes.",
Ophthalmology Times., Apr. 15, 2004 v29 i8 p66. cited by applicant
.
PCT International Search Report, dated Sep. 13, 2011, for PCT Int'l
Appln. No. PCT/US2011/040725. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: McCormack; Jason
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/118,931, filed May 31, 2011, which claims priority to
Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/357,786, filed on Jun.
23, 2010. The entire contents of each of these applications are
hereby incorporated by reference.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A base unit for receiving a storage case for storing at least
one ophthalmic lens, the base unit comprising: a lid; a base; a
receptacle formed within one or both of the lid and the base for
receiving the storage case; and multiple disinfecting radiation
sources mounted to one or both of the lid and the base and
configured to emit disinfecting radiation into the storage case,
the disinfecting radiation sources are aligned with the storage
case via at least one positioning artifact such that the storage
case and the ophthalmic lens stored therein are exposed to the
emitted disinfecting radiation to disinfect at least a portion of
the storage case and the at least one ophthalmic lens stored
therein; a processor for controlling generation of the disinfecting
radiation; and a display in the lid for displaying a status of a
disinfecting process based upon digital data transmitted by the
processor, wherein the lid is hinged to the base along one edge and
configured to fold over the top of the base and enclose the storage
case in the receptacle.
2. The base unit of claim 1, wherein the disinfecting radiation
sources emit the disinfecting radiation directly towards the
storage case.
3. The base unit of claim 1, wherein the disinfecting radiation
sources are an ultraviolet emitting diode configured to emit the
disinfecting radiation at a wavelength in the range of about 250
nanometers to 280 nanometers.
4. The base unit of claim 1, additionally comprising a reflective
surface for reflecting the disinfecting radiation towards the
storage case.
5. The base unit of claim 1, additionally comprising an optic for
directing the disinfecting radiation towards one or both of the
storage case and the ophthalmic lens stored therein.
6. The base unit of claim 1, additionally comprising a vibration
generation device for providing vibrational motion to facilitate
disinfection of the ophthalmic lens stored therein.
7. The base unit of claim 1, additionally comprising a power
storage device for storing power to operate the base unit.
8. The base unit of claim 1, wherein the processor controls an
intensity of the disinfecting radiation emitted from the
disinfecting radiation sources based upon a logical control signal
generated by the processor.
9. The base unit of claim 1, additionally comprising an audio
component operative to provide an audio signal based upon an
operation of the at least one disinfecting radiation source.
10. The base unit of claim 1, additionally comprising a digital
storage for storing information related to a disinfecting
process.
11. The base unit of claim 1, additionally comprising a universal
serial bus connector for transferring one or both of data and
electrical power to or from the base unit.
12. The base unit of claim 1, additionally comprising a sensor
capable of sensing an amount of disinfecting radiation and a
feedback loop capable of controlling an output from the
disinfecting radiation sources.
13. An ophthalmic lens disinfecting system comprising: a base unit
having a lid, a base, and a receptacle for receiving an ophthalmic
lens storage case, the receptacle being formed within one or both
of the lid and the base; multiple disinfecting radiation sources
mounted to one or both of the lid and the base of said base unit
and configured to emit disinfecting radiation into said storage
case; an ophthalmic lens storage case mountable within the
receptacle of the base unit and configured to store at least one
ophthalmic lens therein; and at least one positioning artifact
configured to align the disinfecting radiation sources with the
storage case, a processor for controlling generation of the
disinfecting radiation; and a display in the lid for displaying a
status of a disinfecting process based upon digital data
transmitted by the processor, wherein the storage case has a cap
and at least one radiation window, and is configured such that upon
its insertion into the receptacle it is positioned within a path of
radiation emitted by the disinfecting radiation sources such that
at least a portion of the storage case and the at least one
ophthalmic lens stored therein are exposed to the disinfecting
radiation emitted by the disinfecting radiation sources, and
wherein the lid is hinged to the base along one edge and configured
to fold over the top of the base and enclose the storage case in
the receptacle.
14. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 13, wherein
the emitted disinfecting radiation is sufficient to kill an
organism on a surface of the storage case.
15. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 13, wherein
the disinfecting radiation sources emit the disinfecting radiation
directly towards the storage case.
16. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 13, wherein
the storage case comprises an optic for directing the disinfecting
radiation toward the ophthalmic lens stored therein.
17. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 13, wherein
the base unit comprises an optic for directing the disinfecting
radiation toward one or both of the storage case and the ophthalmic
lens stored therein.
18. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 13, wherein
the disinfecting radiation sources are ultraviolet emitting diodes
configured to emit the disinfecting radiation at a wavelength in
the range of about 250 to 280 nanometers.
19. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 13, wherein
the base unit comprises a reflective surface for reflecting the
disinfecting radiation towards the storage case.
20. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 13, wherein
the storage case comprises a reflective surface for reflecting the
disinfecting radiation towards the ophthalmic lens stored within
the storage case.
21. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 13, wherein
the storage case comprises at least one storage compartment
configured to store the at least one ophthalmic lens.
22. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 21, wherein
the at least one storage compartment comprises the radiation
window.
23. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 21, wherein at
least one storage compartment comprises an alignment mechanism
configured to position the at least one ophthalmic lens in the
storage compartment.
24. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 23, wherein
the alignment mechanism aligns the ophthalmic lens with the path of
the radiation emitted by the disinfecting radiation sources.
25. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 13, wherein at
least one positioning artifact is an annular depression formed in
the cap on the storage case.
26. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 13, wherein
the processor controls an intensity of the disinfecting radiation
emitted from the disinfecting radiation sources.
27. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 26,
additionally comprising a scanner configured to scan the ophthalmic
lens and to log disinfecting information associated with the
ophthalmic lens including a time of disinfection.
28. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 13,
additionally comprising a vibration generation device for providing
vibrational motion to facilitate disinfection of the ophthalmic
lens.
29. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 13,
additionally comprising a power storage device for storing power to
operate the base unit.
30. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 26,
additionally comprising a sensor capable of sensing an amount of
disinfecting radiation and a feedback loop capable of controlling
an output from the disinfecting radiation sources.
31. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 13, wherein
the disinfecting radiation sources emit the radiation directly
towards the radiation window.
32. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 13, wherein
the disinfecting radiation sources are positioned to emit
disinfecting radiation in a direction generally orthogonal to a top
surface of the ophthalmic lens storage case.
33. The base unit of claim 1, wherein the multiple disinfecting
radiation sources are in an annular arrangement.
34. The ophthalmic lens disinfecting system of claim 13, wherein
the multiple disinfecting radiation sources are in an annular
arrangement.
Description
FIELD OF USE
This invention describes a case for storing an ophthalmic lens and,
more specifically, in some embodiments, a base for receiving a case
with disinfecting functionality while storing an ophthalmic lens
such as a contact lens.
BACKGROUND
Maintaining a clean environment during handling of a contact lens
is generally considered essential to good ophthalmic health. One
aspect of cleanliness that is often not adequately considered is a
clean exterior of a contact lens case. Even if a contact lens
handler conscientiously engages in hand-washing and proper use of
lens solutions, the efficacy of such practices is limited if
pathogens, such as bacteria and fungi may be present on the
exterior of a contact lens case used to store the contact
lenses.
Clean hands often come into contact with pathogens on the exterior
of a contact lens case during the process of removing a top to a
case to access a lens stored within the case. A result of such
contact is that the previously clean hands now become contaminated
with pathogens. During handling of the lens and placement of the
lens onto the eye, contaminated hands may pass the pathogens on to
a lens that has recently been disinfected with solution inside the
storage case. The result is an increased risk of a pathogen being
introduced into an area of the eye of the contact lens wearer.
Hydrogel contact lenses are very popular today. These lenses are
often more comfortable to wear than contact lenses made of hard
materials. Many hydrogel contact lenses may be worn for more than
one day. A build-up of microbial life and bacteria on the lenses
during wear of the lens generally makes it desirable to
periodically remove the lenses and disinfect them.
Disinfection of contact lenses traditionally entails placing the
contact lens in a container or case and subjecting the contact lens
to a chemical disinfectant. However, chemical disinfectants are not
always as efficacious as may be desired. From time to time, a
contact lens with a bacterium, mold, fungus or other type of
adverse life form is reinserted into a user's eye with the result
being a diseased eye. In addition, disinfecting solutions tend to
be expensive and add to the total cost of using contact lenses for
vision correction or cosmetic enhancement. New methods and
approaches are therefore needed to disinfect contact lenses.
SUMMARY
Accordingly, the present invention includes a base for an
ophthalmic lens storage case for storing reusable contact lenses
and disinfecting the lenses during the storage and also
disinfecting at least a portion of the lens storage case. The base
is capable of generating disinfecting radiation to a surface of the
storage case in a wavelength and intensity suitable to kill
unwanted pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, molds, fungi and the
like on the lens case.
In addition, in some embodiments, the base provides vibrational
frequency mechanically sufficient to effectively dislocate expired
microbials and provide increased exposure of unexpired microbials
to life extinguishing radiation.
In another aspect, in some embodiments, a disinfecting radiation
base includes one or more reflective surfaces, such as a mirror,
for reflecting disinfecting radiation towards an ophthalmic lens
storage case mounted in the disinfecting radiation base.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a lens storage case in a base unit according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates some embodiments of alignment of a disinfecting
radiation source with an ophthalmic lens in a lens storage case
according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates a close up view of a storage case with one cap
removed according to some embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates aspects of a base unit according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates a base unit in a closed state with a
display.
FIG. 6 illustrates a prior art contact lens storage case in a
soiled condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes methods and apparatus for
disinfecting a surface of an ophthalmic lens storage case. In
addition, the present invention includes a storage case for holding
an ophthalmic lens while one or both of the lenses and the surface
of the lens storage case is disinfected with disinfecting
radiation.
In the following sections detailed descriptions of embodiments of
the invention will be given. The description of both preferred and
alternative embodiments are exemplary embodiments only, and it is
understood that to those skilled in the art that variations,
modifications and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to
be understood that said exemplary embodiments do not limit the
scope of the underlying invention.
GLOSSARY
In this description and claims directed to the presented invention,
various terms may be used for which the following definitions will
apply:
Disinfecting Radiation: as used herein refers to a frequency and
intensity of radiation sufficient to diminish the life expectancy
of a life form receiving a Disinfecting Radiation Dose.
Disinfecting Radiation Dose: as used herein refers to an amount of
radiation to reduce an amount of pathogen life by at least two logs
on a logarithmic scale and preferably three logs or more, wherein
life includes at least bacteria, viruses, molds and fungi.
Lens: refers to any ophthalmic device that resides in or on the
eye. These devices can provide optical correction or may be
cosmetic. For example, the term lens can refer to a contact lens,
intraocular lens, overlay lens, ocular insert, optical insert or
other similar device through which vision is corrected or modified,
or through which eye physiology is cosmetically enhanced (e.g. iris
color) without impeding vision. In some embodiments, the preferred
lenses of the invention are soft contact lenses made from silicone
elastomers or hydrogels, which include but are not limited to
silicone hydrogels, and fluorohydrogels.
DESCRIPTION
Referring first to FIG. 6, an example of a contact lens storage
case 600 including a storage case lens holder 601 and a storage
case lid 602, is illustrated. As illustrated, in some instances a
contact lens storage case 600 may accumulate significant soiling
and pathogen build-up 603 on one or more surfaces of the storage
case 100.
Referring now to FIG. 1, an ophthalmic lens disinfecting system 100
is illustrated including a radiation based disinfecting base 101, a
radiation based disinfecting storage case 102 and one or more
disinfecting radiation sources 103-104. The radiation based
disinfecting storage case 102 may include a storage case lid and a
storage case holder. According to the present invention, a
radiation based disinfecting storage case 102 is positioned within
the path of radiation from the one or more disinfecting radiation
sources 103-104, such that one or both of the surface of a
radiation based disinfecting lens storage case 102 and ophthalmic
lenses (not illustrated) stored within the disinfecting storage
case 102 are exposed to radiation emanating from the one or more
disinfecting radiation sources 103-104 and pathogens existing on,
or in proximity to, radiation based disinfecting lens storage case
102 are exposed to disinfecting radiation provided by a
disinfecting radiation source 103-104, and killed, essentially
disinfecting one or both of the ophthalmic lens and a surface of
the lens storage case.
As illustrated, the ophthalmic lens disinfecting system 100
including a generally clamshell type configuration, is positioned
in an open state with a radiation disinfecting base 101 and a lid
106. A radiation disinfecting storage case 102 is shown positioned
in the clamshell radiation disinfecting storage system 100. In some
preferred embodiments, the radiation disinfecting storage case 102
includes a positioning artifact 105 for aligning the disinfecting
radiation source 103 with the radiation disinfecting storage case
102. As illustrated, the positioning artifact 105 includes an
annular depression for receiving an annular arrangement of
disinfecting radiation source 103. Positioning artifacts 105 may
include almost any polygon shaped depression. Other embodiments may
include one or more alignment pins. In still other embodiments, a
positioning artifact 105 may include a snap, a threaded joining or
other removably fixed type of joining.
In some embodiments, the positioning artifact 105 aligns the
radiation disinfecting radiation source 103-104 in a position
generally orthogonal to a top surface of a storage case 102 placed
in the ophthalmic lens disinfecting system 100. In additional
embodiments, a positioning artifact 105 aligns the radiation
disinfecting radiation source 103 in a position generally
orthogonal to a plane of a storage case 102 placed in the
ophthalmic lens disinfecting system 100.
In another aspect, in some embodiments, the radiation disinfecting
base 101 may also include a source of a vibrational frequency 106
capable of transmitting a vibrational frequency from a radiation
disinfecting base 101 to the radiation disinfecting storage case
102 and ultimately to a lens stored within the radiation
disinfecting storage case 102.
In some preferred embodiments, the vibrational frequency may be a
frequency capable of causing expired life forms to be moved from
within a path of radiation to an unexpired life form. Moving the
expired life forms allows for more efficacious disinfecting by
exposing more unexpired life forms to a direct path of
radiation.
The one or more radiation disinfecting radiation source 103-104 may
include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In some preferred
embodiments, the LEDs include ultraviolet (UV) emitting LEDs.
Preferred embodiments include LEDs which emit light radiation with
a wavelength of between about 250 nanometers of light radiation and
about 280 nanometers of light radiation, preferably, the wavelength
is between 250 nanometers and 275 nanometers, and most preferably
254 nanometers.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram illustrates some
embodiments of alignment of a radiation disinfecting source 200,
such as one or more UV LEDs radiating disinfecting radiation 202 in
the UV spectrum towards a contact lens storage case 201. In some
preferred embodiments, UV LEDs will be arranged such that a
radiation disinfecting storage case will align in a specific
position in relation to the contact lens storage case 201. The
alignment is maintained via an alignment artifact.
In some embodiments, a radiation disinfecting storage case is
aligned to direct UV radiation 202 at an angle essentially
orthogonal to a plane 203 plane across a top portion of the contact
lens storage case 201.
In other embodiments, radiation disinfecting storage case may be
aligned to direct disinfecting radiation 202A from one or more UV
emitting LEDs 200A at an angle essentially orthogonal to a plane
205 across a bottom of the contact lens storage case 201.
In another aspect, in some embodiments, one or more optics 204 may
be used to focus disinfecting radiation onto a disinfecting
radiation storage case 201. An optic may be included in a base or
in a part of a storage case.
Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary radiation disinfecting
storage case 300 is illustrated. The radiation disinfecting storage
case 300 includes one or more lens storage compartments 301. A
storage compartment 301 is capable of receiving and storing one or
more ophthalmic lenses, such as a contact lens.
Some embodiments include one or more lens alignment mechanisms 302
for positioning an ophthalmic lens stored in a storage compartment
301 included in a radiation disinfecting storage case 300. A lens
alignment mechanism 302A may include for example a pedestal with an
arcuate surface generally of a similar size and shape as an inside
dimension of an ophthalmic lens. A convex surface may include an
arc generally equivalent to an arc of a concave surface of an
ophthalmic lens to be stored within the radiation disinfecting
storage case 300. Other embodiments may include a lens alignment
mechanism 302B comprising a bowl generally of a similar size and
shape as an outside dimension of an ophthalmic lens.
Preferred positioning aligns the stored lens in a direct path of
disinfecting radiation. However, other embodiments may include one
or reflective surfaces 306. A reflective surface 306 may
essentially include a mirror and be formed from a glass, a plastic,
a metal or a coating that is functional to reflect disinfecting
radiation in a direction desired. Generally, the direction will be
towards a lens stored in a storage case 300 positioned in the base.
In some embodiments, reflective surface 306 may be generally
proximate to, and/or generally parallel to, a surface of a stored
lens. Other embodiments may include a reflective surface 306
generally around a perimeter of a stored lens.
One or more radiation windows 303-304 are included in the storage
compartments 301. The radiation windows 303-304 provide portions of
the radiation disinfecting storage case that are at least partially
transparent to wavelengths of disinfecting radiation. Preferably
the radiation windows 303-304 will be as close to 100% transparent
as possible to disinfecting radiation transmitted into the storage
compartment 301. Plastics that are injection moldable may be 90% or
more or even 98% or more transparent to UV radiation. Specific
wavelengths may include between about 254 nanometers to 280
nanometers.
In some embodiments, a radiation window may also include an optic
for directing disinfecting radiation towards areas of an ophthalmic
lens stored in the stored compartment 301.
Examples of materials from which the radiation windows 303-304 may
be formed include, for example: cyclic olefins, TOPAS, ZEONOR or
other injection moldable plastic. Other plastics or glass may also
be utilized as a material for the radiation window 303-304. The
area of the radiation windows 303-304 should be sufficient to admit
enough disinfecting radition into the storage compartments to kill
life forms present on an ophthalmic lens stored in the storage
compartment 301.
Some preferred methods of manufacture of a radiation disinfecting
storage case include injection molding processes. Other methods
include, for example, lathing, stereo lithography, and three
dimensional printing.
In another aspect, radiation disinfecting storage case 300 may
include a fastening mechanism 305A-305B for securing and removing a
cap 308 from a storage compartment 307. The fastening mechanism
305A-305B may include a threaded portion, a snap, and a tapered
joint or other mechanism for removably securing the cap 308 to the
case at the discretion of the user. While the cap 308 is secured to
the storage compartment 307, the cap seals off an ambient
atmosphere from the storage compartment 307 and also contains an
ophthalmic lens and, in some embodiments, a solution, such as, for
example a saline solution, within the compartment 307.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a radiation disinfecting base unit 400 is
illustrated with multiple disinfecting radiation source LEDs
401-402. As illustrated, the disinfecting radiation source LEDs
401-402 may include one or both of overhead disinfecting radiation
source LEDs 401 and lower disinfecting radiation source LEDs 402.
In addition to the overhead disinfecting radiation source LEDs 401
and lower disinfecting radiation source LEDs 402, the base unit may
include a processor board 403 with control electronics for
controlling various aspects associated with the radiation
disinfecting base 400.
The processor board 403 may be coupled to a digital storage 408.
The digital storage may include executable software that is
executable upon command or automatically upon operation of the
radiation disinfecting base unit 400. The digital storage 408 may
also store data related to operation of the radiation disinfecting
case 400. Operational data may include for example, time periods
during which a radiation disinfecting base unit 400 is operated;
serial numbers of lenses being disinfected; a period of time that a
lens has been placed in use, or other information. In some
embodiments, a radiation disinfecting base unit 400 may include a
scanner 409 or other input means to input an identification number
associated with a lens stored in a radiation disinfecting base unit
400. For example, the scanner 409 may scan a bar code or other
symbol on a lens package and log disinfecting information
associated with the bar code number or symbol. Information that may
be logged may include for example, a number of hours that a lens
has been exposed to disinfecting radiation and a number of days
that a lens has been placed into use.
An electrical communication connector 404 may also be included in
the radiation disinfecting base unit 400. The electrical
communication connector 404 may include a universal serial bus
(USB) connector or other type of connector. The connector may
include a terminal for transferring one or both of data and
electrical power. In some embodiments, the electrical communication
connector 404 provides power to operate the radiation disinfecting
base unit 400. Some embodiments may also include one or more
batteries 405 or other power storage device. In some preferred
embodiments, the batteries 405 include one or more lithium ion
batteries or other rechargeable device. The power storage devices
may receive a charging electrical current via the electrical
communication connector 404. Preferably, the radiation disinfecting
base unit 400 is operational via stored power in the batteries
405.
In some embodiments, the electrical communication connector 404 may
include a simple source of AC or DC current.
In another aspect, the present invention may include a source of
mechanical movement, such as a vibration generation device 406. The
vibration generation device 406 may include, for example, a
piezoelectric transducer. A piezoelectric transducer offers a low
power reliable device to provide mechanical or vibrational
movement.
In some embodiments, the vibrational movement will be adjusted to a
frequency that effectively moves dead organisms stored within a
storage case in the radiation disinfecting base unit 400. Movement
of the dead organisms exposes live organisms that may have
otherwise been sheltered from disinfecting radiation.
In still another aspect, in some embodiments, the processor board
403 or other electronic circuitry may control a pattern of light or
radiation emitted by the disinfecting radiation source LEDs
401-402. The pattern may include, for example, strobes of a set
frequency or variable frequencies.
Some embodiments may also include a display 407. The display 407
will be in logical communication with the processor board 403 and
be used to communicate, in human readable form, data relating to
the operation of the radiation disinfecting base unit 400.
In another aspect, in some embodiments, one or more UV sensors 410
may monitor an amount of UV radiation present and provide input
into a feedback loop that controls an output from disinfecting
radiation source LEDs 401-402. Some embodiments include one or more
UV sensors 410 that receive UV radiation after the UV radiation has
passed through one or more of a lens storage case and a stored
lens.
Use of a UV sensor 410 feedback accommodates LEDs that may emit
decreasing radiation over the life of the LED and also accommodate
different lens storage cases that may differ in transparency
characteristics from one case to another.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a radiation disinfecting base unit 500 is
illustrated in a closed position. A radiation disinfecting base 501
is covered by a lid 502, in the illustrated embodiments; the lid
502 is hinged to the radiation disinfecting base 501 and folds over
on top of the radiation disinfecting base 501. Other embodiments
are also within the scope of the invention. As illustrated, a
display 503 is located in the lid 502 and may provide an indication
of a disinfecting cycle or procedure being executed by the
radiation disinfecting base unit 500.
CONCLUSION
The present invention, as described above and as further defined by
the claims below, provides apparatus for disinfecting an ophthalmic
lens.
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